Volume 4 Chapter 18 Sadly, A Gentle Farewell ★
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The tragic princess, Naje, whose fate was to die for her country, was gently embraced by me. Like Princess Nyx before her, it was clear she was a kind-hearted woman who would have been deeply loved by her people under different circumstances. Yet, war had been unavoidable, forced upon them by the cruel realities of this world.
”Ah, I’m not ready yet,” Naje murmured softly.
”It’s alright,” I replied quietly. “First, I want to be close to you.”
I chose to begin with a gentle embrace. At the very least, I wanted this moment to be a cherished memory for her. As she was already prepared, her body responded naturally, and soft breaths escaped her lips.
”I’m going to hold you now. If it hurts, please tell me,” I said gently.
She had taken medicine to ease the pain beforehand. I had told her it was a remedy to calm her nerves, to help her feel better.
With careful movements, I drew her close. Naje winced slightly but endured, her face expressing the complex mix of pain and new sensations. I quietly altered a spell I had cast on myself to heighten her comfort rather than compel obedience. I didn’t want her final moments to be only filled with suffering.
”Ah… ♡” she breathed, a change crossing her expression.
I gently bit her earlobe and whispered, “You’re so brave.”
”I’m embarrassed… I shouldn’t be making sounds like this,” she said quietly.
”No, I want to hear more. This is my command as your protector. Enjoy this time. Until morning, forget everything else and be with me.”
Her expression softened and she wrapped her arms around my neck, showing a rare tenderness.
”You’re cruel to ask for love from a woman about to die…” she whispered.
”I am a bad man,” I said softly. “But if it brings you peace, I will do anything—even lie—and if you want love, I will give you all of mine.”
We kissed again, moving slowly as she surrendered to the moment. When I reached a turning point, the sensation was both new and comforting. The tightness of her innocence was strangely soothing.
”Ah… ah…” she moaned quietly.
Naje surrendered more openly to the experience, her hands clutching at my back as she breathed softly.
”Takumi-sama, I’m scared of dying,” she confessed.
”I’m scared too. Anyone would be,” I admitted. “But we’ve faced death before. I was the one who captured the queen, brought her back in the church, and handed her the dagger. She cursed me and ended her own life. I want to die honorably, not lose to her.”
There was nothing more to say. The fate of the Lesta Kingdom was painfully clear to us both. To comfort her, I held her close and moved gently. Naje’s green hair swayed as she moved with me.
”Will you also destroy our country?” she asked softly.
”Isn’t that an odd way to ask?” I responded.
”No, please be sure to do it. My parents have already accepted it,” she replied.
I said nothing. Weed-san was indeed intent on absorbing the Lesta Kingdom, but Naje’s parents had already come to terms with their fate.
”The Lesta Kingdom is poor and has long been stuck in conflict with the Seron Duchy. But if you, with no ties to either side, could unify us, I selfishly hope for a better future,” she said.
”I’m not that capable,” I replied.
”No, Sis Natalie said you rose quickly. You are wonderful. If you are so kind, I believe you will care for the people too. I can leave with peace of mind.”
As we fell silent, the conversation weighed heavily on the fate of the country.
”If you allow it, I want to prepare a will. If my parents read it, they might find peace. We had no choice but starvation or worse. I’m grateful to have this chance, thanks to you,” she said, eyes moist, reaching for a kiss.
I responded by gently comforting her. Her breath hitched softly, and she shyly spoke again.
”May I ask one thing, taking advantage of your kindness?”
”Of course. What is it?”
”I have a half-sister. Because of our mother’s status, she was destined to a harsh life. If you could spare her, even if she must serve as a slave, I would be thankful. Royal blood must be ended, but it’s too cruel…”
It was a convenient request. But I had Princess Nyx’s example in mind. If I protected her, I could bring her out once things stabilized.
”Alright. I will keep her safe.”
”Thank you, thank you so much!” she cried, tears falling as she embraced me. I held her firmly and moved gently.
”Ah… ah…” she breathed sweetly, holding on.
Naje clung to me, overwhelmed by the moment. I too felt my limits nearing.
”I’m going to finish soon,” I said softly.
”Yes… please… mercy…” she whispered.
With care, I withdrew. Naje caught what remained with her fingers and licked gently.
”The taste of Takumi-sama… May I purify what I have tainted with my own mouth?” she asked.
We spent the night together, sharing quiet moments of affection. Naje repeatedly expressed gratitude and whispered words of love until dawn.
* * *
In the morning, after writing a will to her parents, Naje kissed my cheek farewell. She did not cleanse her body, showing plainly that she had lost her innocence and been claimed.
”I’m going now,” she said.
”Go safely,” I replied.
I would no longer speak weakly. I would not dishonor her courage. After parting, I reached the square, greeted by the cheering Seron Duchy crowd. Chinatsu and Shion sat on either side, holding my hands.
”Takumi-kun, you really praised her. The princess was so happy,” Chinatsu said warmly.
”Just so you know, I’m loyal to Ginga-kun,” Shion added with a smile. “Since Haruka is out, I’ll support you today.”
”Thanks, but I’m fine now. I’ll see Naje’s resolve through,” I said.
Naje, along with Tymis-san and Amira-san, appeared. Bound and naked, the crowd’s cheers and boos mingled.
The three climbed the execution platform, spreading their legs to show they had been violated—a sign of apology for their war and a pledge of self-sacrifice.
* * *
Finally, the three stood, ropes placed around their necks. Their eyes met mine. Their smiles were gentle and serene, not what one would expect from those about to die.
The crowd fell silent. At the signal, they stepped off the platform by their own will. Cheers erupted as their bodies swung, life fading away.
”Look, the princess is brave. She’s happy to die for everyone,” someone whispered.
”It’s painful to watch,” I murmured. “But this must be done to save lives. We will bear witness together, and walk this path with you.”
”Thank you,” came the soft reply. “I will remember this forever. The country you left will become a happy one.”
* * *
Thus ended the public execution of three, including Princess Naje of the Lesta Kingdom, who had destroyed the Seron Duchy. Shortly after, it was announced that I inherited the Seron Duchy, marking the full reality of my rule.
The brief, bittersweet farewell with Naje remained an unforgettable memory for me. Despite the sorrow, I continued to lead the country with determination—this fate shaping the road ahead.
Notes:
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
• Nyx – The First Princess of Celon Dukedom, who escapes to McGaref; next in line to the throne after the Queen’s expected death.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• Natalie – A famous courtesan and former noblewoman; platinum blonde, busty, and elegant; known as Natalie Barklem, daughter of the Duke of Lesta Kingdom.
• Chinatsu – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Shion – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Haruka – 3rd Division leader. Aspires to be Takumi’s GF.
• Amira – Captain of the guard who complies with surrender terms.
• Tymis – Deputy commander of the Lesta Kingdom.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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